Last Updated on February 27, 2024
The journey to matrimonial bliss usually begins with a sparkling piece of jewelry—the engagement ring. Traditionally, diamonds have been the gemstone of choice, symbolizing endless love and commitment. But diamonds are not the only gemstone, and there’s nothing stopping you looking into the alternatives. Moissanite, for instance, is a beautiful, durable, and fascinating gemstone quickly becoming a popular choice for engagement rings. Let’s dive into why Moissanite rings make the perfect affordable engagement rings for the modern couple.
Moissanite: The Diamond Alternative
Moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars. It was first discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 by the French scientist Henri Moissan, who initially thought he had discovered diamonds. Moissanite possesses extraordinary brilliance and durability and even surpasses diamonds in some attributes.
Notably, moissanite has a refractive index (the measurement of how much a gemstone can slow down and bend light) of 2.65-2.69, making it more brilliant than a diamond, which has a refractive index of 2.42. It’s also almost as hard as a diamond, scoring a 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, compared to a diamond’s perfect 10.
Why Moissanite is More Affordable
Moissanite’s cost-effectiveness boils down to its availability and the process of creation. Natural Moissanite is extremely rare, so the vast majority of all commercially available moissanite is lab-created.
The laboratory process allows for the production of large, high-quality Moissanite crystals, which can then be cut into multiple shapes and sizes to suit any style of engagement ring. That makes moissanite significantly more affordable than a comparably sized diamond.
In fact, a moissanite gem of similar size and quality can be up to 90% cheaper than its diamond counterpart. This affordability enables you to choose a larger, more impressive stone or a more intricate ring design without breaking the bank – check out https://bestbrilliance.com/collections/moissanite-rings for examples.
How Are They Made?
When scientists create moissanite in the lab, they do it by using a process known as the thermal growing process, where silicon carbide is heated to high temperatures to create crystals that are then fashioned into gemstones.
Once the moissanite gemstones are ready, they are cut and shaped into various forms by expert gem cutters. This process is similar to the one used for diamonds and other precious gems, and it can take several hours to several days, depending on the size and complexity of the desired shape.
Meanwhile, the ring band is designed and prepared. That often involves drafting the design in a computer program, which can create a wax ring model. The wax model is used to make a mold filled with molten metal (like gold, silver, or platinum) to form the ring band. Once the band has cooled and hardened, it is meticulously cleaned and polished.
When both the band and the moissanite are ready, the stone is then set into the band. Depending on the design, this could involve multiple methods like prong setting, bezel setting, or tension setting. The stone setter must work with great care to ensure the stone is secure and the design is accurate to the intended look.
Finding the Perfect Moissanite Ring
There are several options for finding your perfect Moissanite engagement ring. Many traditional jewelry retailers now offer moissanite as an option alongside diamonds. In addition, numerous online retailers specialize in Moissanite jewelry, offering many styles, cuts, and settings to select from.
There are obviously differences between moissanite and diamonds, but just as you would for diamonds, it’s essential to consider the color, clarity, cut, and carat size of the moissanite gem before purchasing. Moissanite comes in color grades from colorless to slightly yellow. Most Moissanite gems sold for jewelry are virtually flawless, thanks to the controlled environment in which they are created.
The cut of the gem determines how light reflects off the stone, while the carat size dictates the size of the stone. Ultimately – just like it is with diamonds – the best Moissanite engagement ring for you will be determined by personal style and budget.
In the quest for the perfect engagement ring, moissanite stands out as an affordable, beautiful, and ethical alternative to traditional diamonds. Its brilliant sparkle, durability, and lab-grown nature make it an appealing choice for those seeking to express their love without spending too much of their budget. Whether you opt for a classic solitaire or an intricate vintage-inspired design, a Moissanite engagement ring is a symbol of love that is as unique and lasting as the relationship it represents.